One Of Edinburgh’s Most Iconic Buildings

The Playfair at Donaldson’s is renowned as one of the most iconic buildings in Edinburgh. Situated just moments from Haymarket station, the former college is set amidst 18 acres of elegant grounds and is dominated by the central Playfair building: a stunning quadrangular building built in the 1840s and designed in the style of an Elizabethan palace.

Award-winning heritage developer City & Country has transformed the historic Playfair into beautifully restored apartments in a wide variety of sizes, from studios to three-bedroom penthouses.

The outstanding conversion has already been recognised with no fewer than four major awards from esteemed industry groups the Scottish Home Awards, the WhatHouse? Awards and The Herald Property Awards.

Apartments marry the best of the old and the new, with an incredible mix of original features such as large historic windows, fireplaces and cornices, alongside a contemporary specification of sleek handle-less kitchens combined with luxurious bathrooms that have all the amenities expected of high-quality modern living. The clever use of space makes best use of the historic fabric, creating many unique living spaces ranging from studios, mezzanine apartments, split-level, loft and penthouse accommodation in a wide variety of sizes.

Long-time Edinburgh residents Paul and Katharine Jackson were some of the first owners to move into the building. Paul says:

“When we first went to view Donaldson’s and were shown our apartment, we just thought ‘Wow!’ We fell in love with it immediately. Donaldson’s is such an iconic place and people often pass it and wonder what it is because it has such a grand appearance. It gives off the same striking impression as when you first see Edinburgh Castle. Coming up the drive you really feel it’s such a privilege to call the building home.”

Communal areas of the Playfair, such as the grand entrance hall and large stairwells, have been softly lit, carpeted and painted in hues of navy blue and dark green, creating a regal sense of place.

The sweeping grounds have been transformed to provide idyllic outdoor spaces to relax and enjoy the views of the outstanding building. Soon they will be home to a Chapel Garden (which faces the Playfair’s historic chapel), arboretum and parterre terrace.

Current prices range from £360,000 to £1,695,000. For more information call 0131 341 5102 or visit: www.cityandcountry.co.uk